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Government forecasters warn of a “return to wet and windy weather” tomorrow after a chilly end to the week.

Ice alerts have been issued across much of northern England and Scotland this morning after temperatures were forecast to plunge below freezing last night.

The Met Office said more than an inch of snow could fall even across low ground in Scotland with untreated roads likely to freeze over.

Forecaster Oli Claydon said: “With temperatures expected to come down on Thursday night there will be an ice risk on Friday morning.

“Friday will be more settled, certainly after the effects of Storm Doris, although there will be rain in the north.

There will be an ice risk on Friday morning

Oli Claydon

“On Saturday we see a return to wet and windy weather with heavy rain in the northwest as temperatures will return to more normal values for the time of year.”

Deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris added: “Saturday will see further strong winds and another spell of wet weather, particularly over the northwest of the UK where the rain is likely to be locally heavy and persistent.”

“A large area of rain is expected to push into northwest UK later on Friday and slowly clear southeastwards through Saturday.

“A combination of mild, moist air and strong southwesterly winds will lead to rainfall being especially heavy and persistent over higher ground. 30 to 50 mm [two inches] is likely quite widely whilst as much as 100 mm [four inches] could fall on the most exposed sites.

“Please be aware of the possibility of localised flooding and minor travel disruption.”

A spokesman for the Environment Agency added: “Further heavy rainfall forecast later on Friday evening and through Saturday.

“The Environment Agency will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Violent gales, snow and plunging temperatures have brought a contrast from the start of the week which saw Britain bask in an early taste of spring.

Temperatures hit 18.3C (64.94F) in London on Monday, around 15C higher than normal for the time of year.

Arctic winds will push thermometers to -4C (24.8F) in the north tonight (Friday) while the south shivers in low single figures.

Though slightly milder at the weekend the north will dip to freezing or just below overnight while the mercury hovers around 5C (41F) elsewhere.

WeatherOnline forecaster Garry Nicholson said: “Unsettled conditions will affect the British Isles over the next few days, bringing frequent wind and rain, although not as severe as Storm Doris.

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Motorists struggle through the snow in Scotland

“It will be mild this weekend, then next week looks generally cooler.”

The clean up bill from Doris is expected to run into the millions a insurance companies face a barrage of storm-related calls.

Together Mutual Insurance reported a surge in reports from people with lost roof tiles and other damage to their properties.

Spokeswoman Vikki Roberts said: “We’ve seen a substantial increase in call volumes with a 300 per cent rise in calls to our advisers.

“We also expect a further increase in volume this evening when people start coming home from work and noticing the damage.”

“The storm has had a national effect with a focus around the Cheshire area.”